31.5.14

Being a
veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound
named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane,
were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined
Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do
anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the
old dog in their home.

As we made
arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for
six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might
learn something from the experience.

The next
day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.
Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if
he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped
peacefully away.

The little
boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad
fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been
listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled,
we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never
heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life --
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old
continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay
as long.'

Live
simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember,
if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure
Ecstasy..
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them
gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

29.5.14

Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions,
thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life.
Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you
too can become more mentally strong.

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves

Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their
circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take
responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t
always easy or fair.

2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power

They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone
else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel
bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own
emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.

3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change

Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they
welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand
that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.

4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control

You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage
or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their
lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is
their attitude.

5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone

Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please
everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when
necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people
being upset if they didn’t make them happy.

6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks

They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking
calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks
and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of
the potential downsides before they take action.

7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past

Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and
wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can
say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive
bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live
for the present and plan for the future.

8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over

Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and
learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating
those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better
decisions in the future.

9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success

Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s
success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others
surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work,
and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.

10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure

Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up.
Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They
are willing to keep trying until they get it right.

11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time

Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear
silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can
use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t
dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but
instead can be happy alone.

12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything

Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They
weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or
that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for
opportunities based on their own merits.

13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results

Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new
business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate
results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their
ability and understand that real change takes time.

27.5.14

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when
you pass a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which
one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only
be one passenger in your car? Think, before you continue reading.

This
is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job
application. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to
die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old
friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect
chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your
perfect mate again.

The candidate who was hired (out of 200
applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. She simply
answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take
the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with
the partner of my dreams."

Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to "Think Outside of the Box."

However,
the correct answer is to run the old lady over and put her out of her
misery, have sex with the perfect partner against the bus stop, then
drive off with the old friend for some beers.

26.5.14

By a man’s fingernails, by his
coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser-knees, by the calluses of his
forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuffs, by his
movements – by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed.
That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any
case is almost inconceivable / Sherlock Holmes, 1892.

The aim of this exhibition is — to become aware of ourselves and of
the people around us. Not claiming any in-depth analysis, and hoping
that you will take a moment to think about it. It seemed amazing to us
that we can try to better understand ourselves or others.